Google Invites Public to Help Save Coral Reefs with AI

Google has introduced an innovative AI tool, [SurfPerch](https://www.kaggle.com/models/google/surfperch), designed to enhance our understanding of coral reef ecosystems and their health. Developed in collaboration with Google Research and DeepMind, SurfPerch analyzes thousands of hours of reef audio recordings.

This groundbreaking technology allows marine biologists to “listen” to reef health, monitor nocturnal reef activity, and study reefs even in challenging conditions like deep or murky waters. This capability is expected to significantly bolster conservation efforts aimed at preserving these vital ecosystems.

The project began with an innovative public engagement initiative through the [“Calling in Our Corals” website.](https://artsandculture.google.com/experiment/calling-in-our-corals/zgFx1tMqeIZyTw?hl=en)

Over the past year, this platform allowed individuals from around the globe to listen to more than 400 hours of audio recordings captured from reefs at various sites worldwide. Participants were prompted to click whenever they detected the sound of fish. This collective effort resulted in the creation of a comprehensive “bioacoustic” dataset that highlights aspects of reef health.

Leveraging this data, Google refined SurfPerch’s capabilities, enabling it to swiftly identify new and previously unrecognized reef sounds.